Business Details
Explore Connecticut's Culture and History at Our Museum in Hartford
The Community Health Svc has served as a guardian of Connecticut's heritage since 1825. As a nonprofit institution rooted in the historic West End of Hartford, we curate over 4 million manuscripts, artifacts, and objects that chronicle the state's cultural evolution. Our exhibitions, educational programs, and research center provide immersive experiences for scholars and visitors alike. With a dedicated team of curators and historians, we maintain rigorous academic standards while making history accessible to diverse audiences. Our 200-year legacy reflects a commitment to preserving authentic narratives through meticulous archival practices and community collaboration.The museum actively engages contemporary communities through traveling exhibitions and cultural sustainability initiatives that bridge past and present. Our research facilities support academic inquiry with extensive digital reproductions and fellowship programs. Through guided tours, youth programs, and public events, we foster intergenerational connections to local history. The museum's financial transparency and donor privacy policies ensure public trust in our mission-driven operations. As a 501(c)3 organization, we rely on community support to maintain our collections and expand educational outreach.
Services
Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Research Center
Collections
Events
Highlights and features
- We offer 200 years of historical expertise and preservation excellence
- Our collection includes over 4 million Connecticut-specific artifacts and documents
- We provide tailored educational programs for all age groups
- Our research center offers appointment-based access to primary sources
- We host community events connecting generations through shared history
What people say
Excellent exhibitions
Vibrant cultural hub
Valuable educational resource
Well-preserved history
Community gem
Services
Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase Connecticut's cultural heritage through artifacts, manuscripts, and interactive displays. Current exhibits include 'Then, Now, Next: 200 Years and Counting' and 'Coffee: A Connecticut Story'. Traveling exhibitions bring local history to communities statewide.
Educational Programs
We offer curriculum-aligned field trips, classroom outreach programs, and distance learning options for K-12 students. Special programs include 'The Citizenship Project' and 'Scout Programs' with hands-on historical activities for youth groups.
Research Center
The Waterman Research Center provides appointment-based access to 3.5 million manuscripts, 265,000 artifacts, and 125,000 books. Researchers can explore family history, request digital reproductions, or apply for research fellowships through our consortium partnerships.
Collections
Our collection includes over 4 million items documenting Connecticut's history from the 1600s to present. Highlights include the 'Made in Connecticut' permanent exhibit and 'Rare Survivors' showcasing significant historical objects preserved through conservation efforts.
Events
We host cultural events like the 'Da de Muertos Community Celebration' and educational programs such as exhibit tours and lectures. Annual events include 'Taste of 200' and rotating speaker series connecting history with contemporary issues.
Questions
What are the museum's admission prices?
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), and $8 for students/youth (6-17). Children under 5 and members receive free admission.
What are the museum's operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (Thursdays until 8pm) and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Research center appointments available during specified hours.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide field trips, classroom outreach, and distance learning programs aligned with state curriculum standards for K-12 students.
Can researchers access your collections?
Researchers can schedule appointments to access our archives, manuscripts, and digital reproductions through the Waterman Research Center.
Are there special events throughout the year?
We host annual events like the Da de Muertos Community Celebration, exhibit openings, and educational lecture series for all ages.
How can I support the museum?
Support options include membership, donations, corporate sponsorships, and volunteering opportunities to help preserve Connecticut's cultural heritage.
